maybe getting chin...location in home? - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**naturegal592** · #1 08-25-08, 06:36 pm

There is a chinchilla at the shelter who has been abused and I would really like to take her in. The best location at our home would be at the top of my stairs between my husbands and my bedroom and my daughters bedroom. It stays somewhat dark during the day, more sunlight could be arranged. But the stairway light is on all night. Would this be a problem for the little girl? I could shelter her from the light a little and would provide a hidey. I know they are nocturnal and don't want to add stress to her life. I personally do not like the light on all night, maybe I could use her as an excuse to change out routine.

**naturegal592** · #2 08-31-08, 04:01 pm

Here is Sweetie (named by my 3 year old). She is so dang cute I can't even take it. She got so relaxed while I rubbed her tummy today she fell over. She was an abuse case and taken to a shelter. She was left in a trailer for almost a month. You can see she is missing part of her toe, there was an exposed bone and she snipped it off during her first night at the shelter. I am told there was also a large cut on the inside of that thigh. The toe seems to be healing good but I am keeping a close eye on it. I gave her a shredded wheat and she loved it but she looks a little too possesive of it "Mine all mine!"

**PrayerWarrior** · #3 08-31-08, 05:14 pm

Thank you so much for taking her in.

**CavyKeeper** · #4 09-02-08, 03:08 pm

What a cutie Sweetie is! She's very lucky to now have a caring new mommy.

I can't say for sure if leaving the light on would make a difference or not. I do know my girl was always more active when it was darker, even though she would also come out all times of day just to get attention when someone was in the room. Is there a reason the stair light stays on all night? Is it possible to maybe set up a night light or something instead?

Probably more importantly, does the location you have in mind for her cage have proper air circulation? Chins like cooler temperatures. They are very susceptible to heat and humidity and can get over heated very easily, often resulting in fatality. And with their thick fur, too much dampness can also lead to skin problems and hair loss.

If you haven't already, I would also recommend checking out Susan9608's post on chin cages at the top of this forum.

Best of luck to the two of you.